VAWA- Violence Against Women’s Act
It has been known throughout the United States that many victims of domestic violence decide to avoid speaking out due to no legal status. In some instances, the abuser has promised legal status to the victim and threatens deportation in order to buy the victim’s silence. If this is anything like your situation or the situation of someone you know, there are options placed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for domestic violence victims.
The Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA) is the process in which victims of these cases can seek legal status through being subjected to any sort of abuse. This process can be completed without the abuser being notified. This opportunity is not only granted to woman, but men as well. You may qualify if you are the spouse, parent, or child of a United States Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.
- You must be legally married to a US Citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident if abused by spouse
- You entered marriage with good faith if abused by spouse
- You are the parent of a US Citizen child who is at least 21 years of age when the petition is filed if abused by son or daughter
- You are a child to a US Citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident if abused by parent
- You suffered battery or any sort of physical or mental abuse by a US Citizen if abused by child
- You suffered battery or any sort of physical or mental abuse by US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident if abused by parent or spouse
- You have resided with your abuser
- You are a person of good moral character
While these are the general requirements for a VAWA process, it is still recommended to consult with an expert on your case. The Law Office of Alex Martinez has successfully handled many VAWA procedures and brought light to many individuals that lost hope. Our immigration attorney will guide and serve you through this process in order to grant you desired legal status and freedom from abuse.
VAWA Cancellation
The VAWA Cancellation of Removal is designed for victims of domestic abuse to defeat their deportation charges. If the Cancellation of Removal is successful, the order results in the victims gaining Lawful Permanent Residency.
To qualify for this relief, some general qualifications the applicant must prove include:
- Victim must prove they have been subjected to extreme physical or mental suffering by a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent
- Victim has been physically present in the United States for a minimum period of 3 years prior to VAWA Cancellation of Removal process
- Victim’s removal will cause extreme hardships and bring a high level of emotional despair to family
There are additional requirements that must be met to begin this process. At The Law Office of Alex Martinez, Mr. Martinez will point you in the right direction through your application process and carefully explain all details of your case. You will be led with care towards a successful outcome in your VAWA Cancellation process.
